Cambridge IGCSE
German - Foreign Language (0525)

This syllabus is designed for students who are learning German as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as learners progress through their studies.

The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture of countries where German is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of other languages.

Notice for UK schools

June 2017 is the final examination series in which syllabus 0525 will be included in UK performance tables.

From 2020 examination this syllabus will no longer be regulated by the qualifications and examinations regulators in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Changes to the syllabus and specimen papers reflect the change in regulated status. This syllabus will continue to be available worldwide.

Please note that if you make an entry for the A*-G grading scale, it is not then possible to switch to the 9-1 grading scale once the entries deadline has passed. If you find that you have accidentally made an entry for the A*-G syllabus, you must withdraw and re-enter before the entries deadline.

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

Syllabus support

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

Syllabus update

We review all of our syllabuses regularly to make sure they continue to meet the needs of our schools. We have made some changes to this syllabus and assessment materials to improve how learners demonstrate their ability in written and spoken German. These changes are for examination from 2021.

How has the syllabus changed?

The 2021 syllabus develops language proficiency at Level A2 with elements of B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR).

The vocabulary list has been updated.

We have revised the assessment objectives.

The syllabus content section now includes the sub-skills we expect learners to develop.

For more information on the framework and language proficiency levels, visit the CEFR website.

How has assessment changed?

The Speaking test (Paper 3) has been updated. Candidates will complete one role play and two topic conversations.

We have made it clearer which sub-skills are assessed in each paper and have included these in the syllabus document.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2021 onwards. Please see the 2021 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021 syllabus.

Support

Look out for a comprehensive support package to help you deliver the 2021 syllabus including Example candidate responses, a Scheme of work and Specimen paper answers. These resources will be available from April 2019 onwards (before first teaching) through our School Support Hub.

Endorsed resources

View the latest resources that are being developed for the Cambridge IGCSE German syllabus (0525).

Cambridge IGCSE German (Hodder)

Strengthen language skills and cultural awareness with a differentiated approach that offers comprehensive coverage of the revised Cambridge IGCSE German syllabus for examination from 2021.

For learner support. Vocab Express is an online platform for schools that encourages students to learn foreign language vocabulary independently. This course is based on the vocabulary list for Cambridge IGCSE German.